Category Archives: JAPAN

Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Okinawa 沖縄県 designated in 2000. It is also one of the nine Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu and a Designated Historical Monument (史跡 Shiseki) by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1972.

Hubby has sworn that he will not leave the house until summer is over. To those who have been and are in Okinawa, you will know what I mean. This island sizzles in summer! But weekends are meant to be outdoors so we braved the sun and drove to Katsuren Castle located on the east side of the island. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful backyards we have in Okinawa and probably my new favorite. A gusuku (fortresses of regional chieftains when Okinawa was an independent Ryukyu Kingdom) nestled on top of a hill in Uruma City, it is one of Okinawa’s proud UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated in 2000. It is also one of the nine Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu and a Designated Historical Monument (史跡Shiseki) by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1972.

Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Okinawa 沖縄県 designated in 2000.

Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) is one of the nine Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu and a Designated Historical Monument (史跡 Shiseki) by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs in 1972.

Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan.

HISTORY

It is said that King Sho Taikyu of Ryukyu Kingdom was threatened by the power of an aji lord (ruler of a petty kingdom in the history of the Ryukyu Islands), Amawari of Katsuren, so he arranged a marriage between Amawari and his daughter, Momoto Fumiagari. However, the king learned that Amawari plotted to attack Shuri Castle and overthrow him as a king so he had his royal forces defeat and killed Amawari. There were no powerful lords that arose from Katsuren Castle thereafter.

Some of the artifacts found at Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan.

CASTLE TOUR

The castle has 4 enclosures.

3rd Enclosure – Ceremonies and rituals took place in this enclosure.
2nd Enclosure – It is believed that a pillard building as grand as Shurijo Castle stood within, serving as a core of the castle and a public office of the region.
1st Enclosure – It is speculated as a repository for valuables.

The stairs leading to the third enclosure of Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan.

View of the second and first enclosure as seen from the third enclosure of Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan.

The old and original steps to the top of Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) as seen on the left, and the new stairs on the right.

Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan is built on a limestone and some beautiful rock formations are very captivating.

RELIGIOUS SITE

There are numerous gods being worshipped in ancient Okinawa, believed to protect the island and the Okinawans in daily life. There are some of these altars at Katsuren to protect the Aji and the castle itself.

The altar of Umichimun or God of Fire at Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan. This is believed to be the castle’s kitchen.

The Ushinujigama (gama means cave) Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan. This was used as a refuge during war and natural disasters.

The Tamanomiuji-utaki at Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan. This stone protects the castle as a sacred shrine. This is also a place of worship dedicated to a god who protects the Aji or the regional lord of Okinawa. This is believed to lead to Ushinujigama.

FROM THE TOP

And the reward after the climb? A beautiful panorama view from the top!

View of the lower enclosures from the top of The Tamanomiuji-utaki at Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan.

The beautiful panorama view from the top (first enclosure) of Katsuren Castle 勝連城 (Katsuren-gusuku) in Uruma City, Okinawa 沖縄県, Japan.

Nison-in Temple in Arashiyama District is easily accessed after a stroll along Hozu River , followed by a walk around Tenryū-ji Temple and Sagano Bamboo Forest Grove. Be warned, however, that it is quite a walk but is certainly a haven for those who prefer lesser crowd and for those who seek a tranquil place for meditation. I consider our visit to this temple a simple feat thinking I would not survive the walk with my blistered feet. The reward, as we always say, comes to those who keeps striving, and in my case, who keeps walking.

Nison-in Temple was founded in the mid 9th century under the Tendai sect and is formally known as Ogurayama Nison-in Kedai-ji. The temple is most preferred to be visited during autumn season.

The Main Hall of Nison-in Temple 二尊院 in Kyoto 京都市 , Japan 日本.

Nison-in Temple 二尊院 in Kyoto 京都市 , Japan 日本.

The path of meditation leading to the main temple of Nison-in Temple 二尊院 in Kyoto 京都市 , Japan 日本.

While it seems odd deviant to find a Chinese Garden in Japan, it is but fitting to be so in Naha. Afterall, Okinawa has been highly exposed and influenced by Chinese culture being its tributary state before it became one of Japan’s prefecture. Such influence is reflected in its art, food and architecture among many other things. What separates Fukushuen Garden from any other Chinese gardens, however, is its authenticity. The garden was designed by officials from Fuzhou, the capital of China’s Fujian province, bringing along with them “engineers” and materials all the way from Fuzhou to Okinawa. That is authenticity to a whole new level!

Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha was designed by officials from Fuzhou, the capital of China’s Fujian province, bringing along with them “engineers” and materials all the way from Fuzhou 福州市 to Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan.

WATER ELEMENTS

Of all garden types, water garden is my favorite, lake and pond alike. It is a Chinese belief that water symbolizes communication and dreams. I personally believe it to symbolize life that is perhaps why I have always wanted a wall fountain at home. Sorry, but we cannot afford to buy a pond nor a lake nor a huge house to fit all those :)

Tranquility is what all Chinese gardens and gardens in general are for, and Fukushuen Garden is no exemption. But let me add LOVE (*wink*wink*) to the other elements of a Chinese garden. Essentially not a classic, but err, why not? I may have disappointed hubby when I didn’t agree to go to Osaka for this year’s wedding anniversary celebration. Not that I was not excited over the idea, but I have been wanting to visit Osaka or Kyoto again in autumn to see fall colors. But this day has nothing to complain for, especially that we are happy together, and in a poet’s world, is what truly matters.

And roughly a week ago, after some insisting to go out on a beautiful sunny spring day, hubby brought me to Cape Zanpa in Yomitan to see the Cape Zanpa Lighthouse. It was under construction and no climb to the lighthouse was allowed which was to my dismay. The lighthouse itself was not very impressive but it has its own beauty in simple white hue surrounded by what looked like a marvelous formation of volcanic rocks. It is best admired when viewed close to the cliff showing color contrasts between the Okinawan blue sky and clear turquoise water and the picturesque landscape. Hubby thought he was brought back to Scotland with the wonderful experience.

Cape Zanpa Lighthouse in Yomitan, Okinawa, Japan. The statue on the right is Taiki, the first man from Okinawa to be sent to China to establish a tribute trade.

One feature of Cape Zanpa is the Zanpa Misaki Recreation Plaza with shops, restaurants, a playround and a petting zoo with a giant Shisa guarding the plaza’s entrance. The shore is also worth a walk when the tide is low. Cape Zanpa is must see when you are in Okinawa. It is now one of my favorites with its scenic beauty leaving an unforgettable imprint in my memory forgetting that Cape Zanpa is well known as a suicide cliff in Okinawa.

Perhaps, everyone here and who had been in Okinawa, has at some point in their stay, visited the Ocean Expo Park. Who hasn’t? It is after all the most popular tourist destination in the island next to Shuri Castle. However, most of those who visit only have the Churaumi Aquarium in mind forgetting that it is a massive amusement park with featured facilities that require an entire day to explore. Spring is here and what better way to spend the days than having an adventure. If you are planning to visit or considering a re-visit, here is hoping this post will help.

The kitchen of a native Okinawan house featured at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, Okinawa, Japan. 本部 朝基 , 沖縄県

CHURAUMI AQUARIUM – The most popular aquarium boosts an approximate land area of 10,000 m² with a building four-stories high. It proudly houses 77 exhibition tanks being the Kuroshio Sea tank as the main attraction having the volume capacity of 7,500 cubic meters containing three whale sharks and a group of manta rays. Read previous blog post HERE.

The Kuroshio Sea Tank is perhaps the main attraction at Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu District in Okinawa, Japan. It has a volume capacity of 7,500 cubic meters housing three whale sharks and a group of manta rays.

The three whale sharks inside the Kuroshio Sea Tank at Churaumi Aquarium in Motobu District in Okinawa, Japan.

SEA TURTLE POOL – Proudly housing 5 species of turtles out of the 7 (8?) species known in the world is the park Sea Turtle Pool. Hawksbill turtle, Loggerhead sea turtle, Green sea turtle, Kemp’s Ridley and the Black turtle can be viewed underwater from the underground viewing room. Admission here is free and enjoy guessing how old these turtles here! ;)

MANATEE POOL – The manatees at the park are “goodwill ambassadors” from Mexico. They are mostly fed with lettuce and they are somehow creepy looking like they are staring at your every moment. Of course, they are smart mammals (or mermaids), what to expect?

TROPICAL DREAM CENTER – A wonderfully manicured 6-hectare garden of more than 2,000 orchids and polished beautifully with tropical and subtropical plants, Tropical Dream Center is a secret paradise overlooked by most visitors in the midst of Okinawa’s Ocean Park in Motobu Town It offers a self-guided tour with a choice of approximately 1 hour Standard Course and an approximately half-hour Short Course tour. Read previous blog HERE.

DOLPHIN LAGOON and DOLPHIN SHOW – Perhaps most enjoyed by kids is the dolphin lagoon where they can see the smart dolphins up close and personal. A 20-minute live dolphin show, which is absolutely free, is also enjoyed by everyone at the Okichan Theater. Bottlenose dolphins, false killer whales and pacific white-sided dolphins are the stars in their water stage.

Most enjoyed by kids is the dolphin lagoon where they can see the smart dolphins up close and personal at Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, Okinawa, Japan. 本部 朝基 , 沖縄県 .

Okinawa is like a box of chocolate – an island-paradise butterscotch, culture-rich truffle, warmhearted-community caramel and, for a limited time every year, a must-indulgence Cherry-Blossom loco dip – and you are certainly going to love what you are going to get!

Cherry Blossom (Sakura) 桜 at Nakijin Castle 今帰仁城 in Okinawa, Japan.

SAKURA and NAKIJIN CASTLE

Last year’s Cherry Blossom at Mt. Yaedake in Motubo , which was our first, was a blast. Ha, the joy of that wonderful memory. This year, hubby and I capped the season with a Sakura Festival at an illuminated Nakijin Castle. The experience was a delight. Not only is Nakijin Castle Ruins a designated national historic site and inscribed on the Register of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, but for ONLY two weeks and two weeks ONLY during cherry blossom season every year, the site is open at night until 9 and a colorful display of attractive lights illuminate the treasured cultural property.

At the top of the stairways is a marvelous panorama view of East China Sea with a stunning dusk lights in the background, making us wonder how this castle must be like in its hay days. The illuminated castle wall remains also adds charm to the scenery and although there are no cherry trees at the castle’s courtyards, the colorful lighting turns everything phenomenal.

Admittedly, when initially planning for our Kyoto trip, Gion District first came to mind because of geikos, or what we commonly know as geishas. Well, aren’t we all guilty? Of course, we all blame that to Hollywood, thanks to the huge success of the Memoirs. Intrigued and just plain curious about this famous and highly elegant district of Gion, hubby and I paraded every corner with high hopes (and desperation) of meeting a real geiko or maiko along our way. Apparently, we were not alone. We have the entire flock of tourists unanimously looking for one. We tourists were just being, oh well, tourists.

HANAMI-KOJI (花見小路)

The main street of Gion is Hanami-koji, world famous for its Kyoto style houses which are also very established restaurants, tea houses and hotels. We had dinner in one of these restaurants and boy, it was NOT at all cheap.

Hanami-koji 花見小路, the main street of Gion District, world famous for its Kyoto style houses.

One of the traditional Kyoto houses around Hanami-koji 花見小路, the main street of Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

One of the traditional Kyoto houses which now serves as restaurants around Hanami-koji 花見小路, the main street of Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

SHINBASHI DORI (新橋通)

The Gion Shinbashi area began as a traditional tea house and entertainment district but is now at present filled with shops that specialize in high quality art and antiques. It is a beautiful cobble-stoned Shinbashi Street, which runs along the cherry tree-lined Shirakawa river.

The famous Shinabashidori (新橋通) in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

The famous cobbled-street Shinabashidori (新橋通) in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

Shirakawa River 白川 at Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

Japanese women in kimono at the famous cobbled-street Shinabashidori (新橋通) in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

One of the traditional Kyoto houses at the famous cobbled-street Shinabashidori (新橋通) in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

ISSEN YOSHOKU

Issen Yoshoku is both the name of the dish and the name of the restaurant in one corner of Gion District. The dish is a wheat flour based batter with chopped scallions, egg and thinly sliced pork, cooked and folded and served with sauce. It is quite famous especially among the locals because it is said that the owner of the restaurant, Tatsuo Kinoshita, who started it about 30 years ago, wanted to serve the original Western food in Japan which during the Taisho Period (early 1900′s) would cost only about 1 US cent. Also, the symbol of this restaurant is very interesting.

The symbol of Issen Yoshoku 壹銭洋食 in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

Issen Yoshoku 壹銭洋食 in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

Issen Yoshoku 壹銭洋食 in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

MINAMI-ZA (南座)

The only remaining Kabuki Theatre in Kyoto out of the seven officially licensed is the Minami-za. This theatre was built in 1929 and was registered as a Japanese Tangible Cultural Property in 1996.

Minamiza 南座 , the only remaining Kabuki Theatre out of the seven officially licensed in Kyoto, Japan.

PONTOCHO (先斗町)

Another famous must-visit place in Kyoto is the Pontocho. It is a very narrow alley that runs from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori and just west of the Kamo River. It has probably the most dining options in all of Kyoto which requires a fat wallet, otherwise it is simply a must-see for its traditional architecture.

Pontocho 先斗町 in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

Pontocho 先斗町 in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

Pontocho 先斗町 in Gion District in Kyoto, Japan.

KAMO RIVER 鴨川 and SHIJO OHASHI 日本語

The Kamo River flows through the city of Kyoto from north to south. It looks really clean and certainly most romantic at night especially with the beautifully-lit restaurants on the river side and when viewed over at Shijo Ohashi.

The beautiful Kamo River 鴨川 lined with romantically-lit restaurants viewed over at Shijo Ohashi 日本語 in Kyoto, Japan.

We were not very lucky to see a geisha or a maiko. However, we sure were a witness to the captivating beauty and high sophistication of Gion – Japan’s prime geisha district and Kyōto’s most famous (and best preserved) traditional neighborhood. There was an option to dress up like one (some shops offer rental and make up services) but nah, I will leave that adventure until next time. Maybe.

One of my favorite trips in Okinawa is the visit to the Valley of Gangala. It caught quite a stir among my friends because of a, for lack of a better word, “unique rock formation”. However, just right across the valley is the famous Okinawa World, a theme park that features things local. It is equally worth the visit and equally my favorite as well, taking pride in its Habu Park, a small village and shops reminiscent of the old Okinawa, and the Gyokusendyo Cave.

Okinawa World – Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa World – Okinawa, Japan

The small village reminiscent of the old Okinawa at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

The Habu Sake Factory at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

The Habu Sake Factory and Souvenir Shop at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

The theme park’s main attraction and unbelievably an amazing work of nature is the Gyokusendo. It is a 5000 meter long cave that was formed approximately 300,000 years ago. It is well and beautifully lit with pathways over a river that flows continuously.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Gyokusendyo Cave at Okinawa World in Okinawa, Japan.

Take Highway 58 into Naha City and then take Highway 329 going east. Next, go south on Highway 507 and then turn onto Highway 131.

If you have a husband like mine who hates the beach as much as you love it, you have got to be creative. In the middle of some planning for a short trip to the northern part of Okinawa, hubby came across some information about an underwater observatory and had been meaning to visit. Imagine my excitement! I had to trade a finger or two just to drag him to the water but at that very moment, the universe connived. And when rare moments such as these knock, you strike the iron real hard.

The underwater observatory tower is located in Busena Marine Park in Nago City, about an hour drive on Highway 58 from Ginowan. The beach line alone is stunning. We were not properly dressed for the beach but it was a perfect sunny day to enjoy in autumn. The sand was beautiful in white and the blue sky was a marvelous reflection of the crystal water Okinawa is famous for.

The underwater observatory tower is located 170 meters away from the shore near Busena Cape accessible by free shuttle bus at the Okinawa Busena Resort that departs every 20 minutes from the Beach House to the tower and vice versa. It was a pretty day so we decided to skip the ride and enjoyed the view as we walked approaching the observatory instead.

The Beach House that serves as the terminal for the shuttle bus at Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園 in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan.

The shuttle bus at Okinawa Busena Resort that departs every 20 minutes from the Beach House to the observatory tower and vice versa.

The observatory allows visitors a 360 degree view of the marine life with a spiral corridor that descends 5 meters deep without getting wet. It is like getting inside a giant tank with glass windows open to the underwater world. As geeks and proud Whovians ourselves, we thought it was the closest we can get to a Tardis :)

A peek of marine world 5 meters deep through the glass windows at the Underwater Observatory in Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園 in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan.

View of the fishes from the tower at the Underwater Observatory in Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園 in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan.

There are also glass bottom tours available but we thought it was redundant after having a wonderful time at the underwater observatory. The whale-shaped glass bottom boats were pretty cool though.

View looking out from the Underwater Observatory Tower in Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園 in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan. Whale-shaped glass bottom boat is seen in this photo.

Busena Marine Park ブセナ海中公園 is a part of the Busena Terrace Beach Resort, a luxury beach resort hotel in Nago City, Okinawa, Japan.

TRAVELLER’S NOTE:

Busena Marine Park is a part of the Busena Terrace Beach Resort, a luxury beach resort hotel. A little walk up to the resort’s restaurant will surprise you with a breathtaking view of the cape and the observatory tower. It is Okinawa’s pride considering it has hosted the G8 Leaders’ Summit in 2000 with the world’s famous leaders like US (Ex) President Bill Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin just to name a few who have enjoyed the beauty of this sweet cape paradise.

Busena Terrace Beach Resort hosted the G8 Leaders’ Summit in 2000 with the world’s famous leaders like US (Ex) President Bill Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin just to name a few who has graced this facility.

Busena Terrace Beach Resort hosted the G8 Leaders’ Summit in 2000 with the world’s famous leaders like US (Ex) President Bill Clinton and Russian President Vladimir Putin just to name a few who has graced this facility.

A quick Sunday getaway for me and my husband was spent at Southeast Botanical Gardens in Okinawa City. We have been hearing good stories since it reopened in July 2013 after being shut three years earlier, and our first sight right past the entrance proved all the stories right. This local paradise, originally opened in 1970, is peaceful and it is very surprising to see such a breathtaking beauty hidden at the heart of the city, just a short drive outside Kadena Air Base Gate 3. This botanical park is divided into Water Park and Botanical Garden, housing about 1,300 tropical and subtropical plant species.

WATER PARK

It is advisable to start at the Water Park first since it has hillsides and is quite a walk, unless you want to avail of the tram for 500 yen. I enjoyed feeding the carp and koi the most and fish food is available on vending machines for 100 yen a box. It was early autumn when we visited and we missed a spectacular carpet of lotus flowers which normally blooms in summer. However, to make up, a short climb to where the totem pole is offers a picturesque view of the park, overlooking bridges and ponds.

Fish food in boxes are available on a vending machine at 100 yen for koi and carp feeding at the Water Park in Southeast Botanical Garden in Okinawa City, Okinawa, Japan. (東南植物楽園 Tōnan Shokubutsu Rakuen)

After a long stroll at the Water Park, we found the Botanical Garden to be errr, quite disappointingly small. We were too overwhelmed with the Water Park but the garden is a haven to relax. Find time to pause and watch the palm trees sway and be reminded how beautiful Okinawa is.

Southeast Botanical Gardens is open from 9:00 to 22:00 (last admission 21:00) and with a general admission of only ¥ 1,500 and an easily accessible location, it is truly worth a visit. Even the Okinawan shisa below agrees.

This year, hubby and I decided to be characters from the movie Despicable Me 2, Gru and his purple evil minion. He bought the mask and scarf online and improvised on his jacket. I bought my tutu online as well since work got in the way of being crafty but did the minion shirt myself. I bought a purple shirt from Uniqlo and used felt cloth from a 100 yen shop and got creative!

Hubby and I as Gru and his Purple Evil Minion from Despicable Me movie for Halloween 2013.

Hubby as Gru from Despicable Me movie for Halloween 2013.

Purple Minion from Despicable Me movie for Halloween 2013.

The Hendricks, who we consider as our extended family here in Okinawa, were also having fun with their characters. Steve was a redneck, his wife Yuko was a hippie, and their son Takumi was a riddler. Steve Jr, came in his ROTC uniform (not in the photo).

Halloween 2013 with the Hendricks Family in Okinawa, Japan.

The hosts, Christa and Chris, were excellent. The small craft details around their house for Halloween was really impressive. We are very certain we had so much fun. Happy Halloween 2013!

We paid two visits to Yasaka-Jinja, one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, Japan. Conveniently located in the east end of Shijō-dōri (Fourth Avenue) in Gion District in Higashiyama area, Yasaka shrine is renowned for its month-long festival called Gion Matsuri which started in 869 A.D. when the mikoshi or the divine palanquin of Gion Shrine were paraded through the streets of Kyoto to ward off an epidemic and the same practice has lived on until today. It is also a popular pilgrimage for Hatsumōde in the first week of January.

The Main Gate at Yasaka-Jinja 八坂神社. The shrine is located in the east end of Shijō-dōri (Fourth Avenue) in Gion District in Higashiyama area, Kyoto, Japan and is renowned for its month-long festival called Gion Matsuri 祇園祭.

The Main Gate at Yasaka-Jinja 八坂神社. The shrine is located in the east end of Shijō-dōri (Fourth Avenue) in Gion District in Higashiyama area, Kyoto, Japan and is renowned for its month-long festival called Gion Matsuri 祇園祭.

Hubby in front of the Buden Stage at Yasaka-Jinja 八坂神社 in Gion, Higashiyama in Kyoto, Japan.

A beautiful kibune at Yasaka Shrine 八坂神社 – Kyoto, Japan.

Yasaka-Jinja is believed to be built in the mid 9th century and has long been called “Gion-sha” or “Kansin-in“until it was changed to its present name. According to Japan National Tourism Organization, the Main Hall of the shrine called yasaka-jinjan hondenis designated as an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. It is said to be a rare building in the shinden-zukuri Yoshiki or the Gion-zukuri style which is only used for aristocrats.

The Main Hall of Yasaka-Jinja 八坂神社in Gion, Higashiyama in Kyoto, Japan is called yasaka-jinja honden. It is said to be a rare building in the shinden-zukuri Yoshiki or the Gion-zukuri style which is only used for aristocrats.

But probably the most interesting feature of Yasaka Shrine is its subshrine called Utsukushi-gozensha. Utsukushi which means “beautiful”, gozen means “women” and sha means “shrine”. And in case you did not get the memo, this is the shrine for beautiful women. It is very popular with the apprentice geisha (maiko) and is most visited by people working in the beauty and cosmetics industry or simply those who are praying for, oh well, beauty. Catch a few drops of water from the fountain and pat them on your face, pray at the shrine and write your wish for beauty on the small wooden ‘ema’ plaque.

Utsukushi-gozensha 美御前社at Yasaka Shrine 八坂神社is the shrine for beautiful women very popular with the apprentice geisha (maiko) and is most visited by people working in the beauty and cosmetics industry.

Every corner and bend of Kyoto offers something interesting and is always, always worth a stop. Ryōzen Kannon, as a matter of fact, was a huge surprise for hubby and me.

After an enjoyable walk around Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka neighborhood, we were hoping to find our way to Yasaka-jinja but instead saw this massive statue that completely wowed us. Ryōzen Kannonis a war memorial commemorating the fallen from the Pacific War, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier of World War II. There is an enormous concrete and steel statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Kannon) which was built and unveiled on June of 1955 by Hirosuke Ishikawa. The giant statue is 24 m high and is said to weigh 500 tons. Memorial tables of 2 million Japanese who died in World War II are also found here.

The enormous concrete and steel statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Kannon) at Ryōzen Kannon 霊山観音 in Kyoto, Japan. It is a war memorial commemorating the Unknown Soldier of World War II.

Hubby with the enormous concrete and steel statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara (Kannon) in the background at Ryōzen Kannon 霊山観音 in Kyoto, Japan. The statue is 24 m high and is said to weigh 500 tons.

Our short stint at Osaka, Japan left hubby and I just a little time to explore the beautiful city. Having no definite plans in mind but swing anything by, the locals pointed out that Osaka Castle is just nearby and it is worth a visit. The locals were right, the castle is a jewel even at night. However, we arrived a bit late and did not dare to go inside the Main Tower of the castle without having the certainty of being locked inside or not. We will probably add Osaka to our list of cities to visit again.

It is worth mentioning that Osaka Castle grounds contain thirteen structures which have been designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government.

Osaka Castle 大坂城 in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan

Osaka Castle 大坂城 with the city lights in the background in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Osaka Castle 大坂城 in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Osaka Castle 大坂城 at night in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Osaka Castle 大坂城 at night in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

The pathway to Osaka Castle 大坂城 at night in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Sakura Gate (桜門) with the Central Tower of Osaka Castle 大坂城 visible in the background in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

After a pleasant trek along the Hozu River and right at the further end of Tenryū-ji Templeis the Sagano Bamboo Forest that seems mystical in thousand ways. It is roughly a 500-meter pathway of bamboo plants that can be enjoyed in a 15-minute walk at the least. Hubby and I of course expected the stroll to be quiet, calm and serene which turned out to be otherwise because of the tourists who flock to this spot, each hoping to get a glimpse of the beautiful Arashiyama district in Kyoto, Japan. The trick is simply to pause and wait for everyone else to go ahead and watch as the bamboo leaves dance to the songs of the wind. Remember patience being a virtue.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest walk is such a delight to everyone who visits. Afterall, it was not chosen as one of the filming locations of the Memoir of Geisha movie for no reason, right?

The Sagano Bamboo Forest 嵯峨野竹林 in Arashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest 嵯峨野竹林 in Arashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan.

The Sagano Bamboo Forest 嵯峨野竹林 in Arashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan.

The Path of Bamboo : Sagano Bamboo Forest 嵯峨野竹林 in Arashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan.

Hubby and I enjoying our stroll at The Path of Bamboo : Sagano Bamboo Forest 嵯峨野竹林 in Arashiyama District in Kyoto, Japan.